24 January 2011

Warsi was right to speak out: Hatred of Muslims is one of the last bastions of British bigotry [+]

It is not in the least surprising that Sayeeda Warsi’s speech last night against Islamophobia has created anger. Many people will disagree profoundly with her claim that British Muslims suffer discrimination.

This is because of the common assumption that Muslims have brought almost all of their problems on themselves, above all through their refusal to assimilate and play a full role in mainstream society.

Nor is that all. It is often claimed that Muslims have behaved differently from other immigrant groups, such as Sikhs or Hindus, by refusing to accept the legitimacy of the British state. Of course, there is some truth in this assertion. [20 Jan. telegraph.co.uk] Read more